Nurturing the passion and potential of young football talents, MILO®, in partnership with the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), hosted the MILO® x FAM Ultimate Experience 2025, offering aspiring players two days of intensive training and professional mentorship. This exclusive programme brought together 167 young talents, aged 6 to 16, who emerged victorious from the MILO® Junior Champions League 2024, a nationwide tournament attracting over 9,000 aspiring players.
For the first time, young female footballers competed in the MILO® Junior Champions League 2024 and earned their place in this experience, reflecting MILO®’s commitment to inclusivity in sports. “MILO®’s partnership with FAM expands football opportunities nationwide, empowering girls to play while elevating both players and coaches. This programme fosters a competitive spirit, preparing them for future challenges,” said Soleen Al-Zou’bi, National Women’s Football Coach of FAM.
Celebrating 75 years of legacy in Malaysia, MILO® continues to empower future champions through the transformative power of sports, fostering excellence both on and off the field. As the culmination of the year’s grassroots football initiatives, the MILO® x FAM Ultimate Experience 2025 highlights the impact of MILO® and FAM’s collaboration in nurturing young talent across Malaysia.
The participants had an amazing opportunity to attend football masterclass sessions and trainings led by Coach Soleen Al-Zou’bi, National Women’s Football Coach; Shohaili Mansor, Physiotherapy Officer; Cameron Ng, Head of Grassroots and Head Coach of the Women’s U20 Team; Daphney Teoh, Grassroots Coach Educator and Local Academy Coach; Zaidi Zainol, Goalkeeper Coach of the U20/U17 Women’s National Team, and other renowned coaches who guided players through advanced techniques and strategies to elevate their game, along with special appearance from our national football stars namely Norshahrul Idlan (Mat Yo), Nur Ainsyah, and Farahiyah Ridzuan.
Young athletes also had the chance to explore the state-of-the-art facilities at FAM headquarters, gaining an inspiring insight into the life of professional footballers. The winners of the MILO® Champions League 2024 were celebrated for their dedication and outstanding performances, serving as a testament to the incredible potential of emerging football talents.
MILO® is rooted in its philosophy that “Sports is a Great Teacher,” emphasising the transformative role of sports in nurturing character and values. This commitment aligns with its broader mission to instil positive values in young individuals through sports and sportsmanship. Lim Kerwin, Head of Sports Marketing of MILO®, Nestlé (Malaysia) Berhad, remarked, “Football teaches discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. Through MILO®’s partnership with FAM, we not only provide a platform for young athletes to showcase their skills but also lay the foundation for their personal growth. Celebrating 75 years in Malaysia, MILO® remains to fuelling the nation’s energy and ambitions.”
Parents and participants of the MILO® x FAM Ultimate Experience 2025 have expressed their gratitude for this incredible initiative. “As a parent, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity given to my children to join this event which has truly inspired them to continue playing football with passion,” said Muhammad Zulfazli bin Zulkeply. Meanwhile, 14-year-old participant Qaseh Damia Irdina binti Mohd Fauzi from SMK Ayer Keroh, Melaka shared, “Thank you, MILO®, for giving us the opportunity to be part of this incredible journey, allowing us to emerge as champions and proudly represent Melaka on this stage.”
The MILO® x FAM ecosystem enhances other MILO® sports initiatives, such as the 18-year-long MILO® Hidup Bola futsal carnival. This tournament attracts over 12,000 young players annually and has produced exceptional talents, including National Under-22 Squad rising star Nik Akif Syahiran Nik Mat and National Football Award 2021 Most Valuable Player, Arif Aiman Hanapi. These initiatives seamlessly integrate grassroots talent into the FAM system, providing young players with clear pathways to pursue professional careers. Additionally, the MILO® Champions Clinic introduces children to over 18 sports through certified coaches. This program connects experienced coaches with children eager to explore a new sport.
Since 2021, MILO® and the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) have joined forces to build a dynamic grassroots football development ecosystem, nurturing the next generation of Malaysian football stars. This partnership revitalizes a long-standing relationship dating back to the late 1980s and 1990s, when their tournaments paved the way for renowned players like Azri Ghani and Shivan Pillay. As they celebrate the successes of 2024, MILO® and FAM are poised to introduce new initiatives for 2025 and beyond, furthering their commitment to developing Malaysia into a hub for world-class football talent.
For more information on MILO® sporting programmes, please visit MILO® Sports | Moments That Make A Champion | MILO® Malaysia
